04/25/06 Ong-Bak: The Thai Warrior

Ong-Bak: The Thai Warrior (2003), directed by Prachya Pinkaew

watched solo; DVD (borrowed from Jason) @ home

Beginning with what could be one of the craziest and transfixing scenes in film, you know from the get-go that this action film was special. Set in a small Thai village, in what appears to be a local virility custom, men covered in mud race to scale a huge tree, wrestle each other off, push opponents down plummeting to earth, and be the first to retrieve a flag to bring back to the crowd watching. It's an insane scene, and shows tons of motions that are obviously done with no special effects. That theme of action and grace is captured throughout this a-typical "martial arts film." Lead character Ting (soon to be star Tony Jaa) wins the competition, as he has been trained in the ancient Muay Thai technique of martial arts. Upon thievery of his village's sacred Ong Bak statue, Ting volunteers himself to be the town's savior in bringing it back home. He then heads to the big and corrupt city of Bangkok in order to find the bad guys and save his village from misfortune. Along the way he meets a long lost loser cousin, who at first wants nothing to do with his old village...yet soon realizes the importance of helping. With his fighting prowess, Ting becomes sucked into a world of a gambling fight club and the local ganglord that runs it. It is soon revealed that the gang has a horde of collected ancient relics, and only Ting can save the day. With all the evil henchmen that are thrown his way, he gracefully destroys all of them. The choreography of the chase & fight scenes are awesome. It's what Jackie Chan tries to do, but without all the slapstick. There is enough subtle comic relief thrown in by the cousin character, but Tony Jaa's action is brilliant. Perfect example...while being chased by about 20 dudes with weapons down busy city market street, and heavy vehicular traffic, Jaa deftly slides via doing a split underneath a moving SUV without a scrape to elude the henchmen. Eat that Chan. A modern day Bruce Lee if you will.

5 out of 5 stars

04/24/06 Gentlemen Prefer Blondes

Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953), directed by Howard Hawks

watched w/ Leslie; VHS (personal copy) @ home

Another Marilyn Monroe classic, in the same year as "How To Marry A Millionaire" nonetheless. She was really cranking them out in those days. And might I add that she tended to play the same role in most of those movies as well. Not to totally put limitations on her scope as an actress, but c'mon, she was mostly just a pretty face who knew how to put on a good show. The role that this echoes of "Millionaire" is one of a young beautiful lounge singer (other movie, see: model) who with friend Jane Russell (see: Lauren Bacall), schemes to plan to take a crazy cruise liner adventure (see: rent posh Manhattan flat) attempting to flirt their way into rich men's pockets (see: rich men's pockets), all the while realizing that true love their hearts desire is right in front of them in the form of some poor (actually rich) schlep that's ga-ga over them. Utilizing their god-given talents they woo and wile their way to their end goal. Thrown into the calamitous mix on the cruise are rich tycoon with jewels and wife, nerdy rich fiance and seriously swooning private detective hired to watch the girls. Oh, and lots of singing/dancing numbers. I was told by certain parties that the singing routines where there simply because the two lead characters are lounge singers, so it's not technically a musical. Whatever...it is. It's a musical, but it's fun. If you break into random songs while sitting a French bistros in English, and have the entire community dive right into the chorus as you skip about merrily...it's a musical. If your scene-stealing pink dressed Marilyn dives into the arms of tuxedoed bachelors while crooning and being the basis of a classic Madonna "Material Girl" video...you might be a musical. Wait, I think I've stumbled onto a Jeff Foxworthy routine.

3 out of 5 stars

04/23/06 The Squid And The Whale

The Squid And The Whale (2005), directed by Noah Baumbach

watched w/ Leslie (partially); DVD rental (Netflix) @ home

Family dysfunction at its best (or is that worst?). Based on director Baumbach's true life childhood recollections, this disruptive tale of divorce tries to show the separation from all opposing angles. Each family member is given a strong personality, and reasons for the division between all is felt deeply. Jeff Daniels plays the father, a past his prime novelist who is now a professor in Brooklyn; and Laura Linney plays the mother who blossoms as an up-and-coming writer herself who has become disenchanted with her married life. The two boys are played by elder Jesse Eisenberg (from "Roger Dodger") and younger Owen Kline (son of Kevin, and Phoebe Cates) with great awkwardness and heart. The parental units are not the most stable of people, nor do they set the best example when both choose to show their anger for each other in front of the children. Extra-marital affairs, profanity, drinking habits, lies, sexual perversions, and overall relationship oddities abound. The mother ends up in a relationship with the younger sons' tennis coach, while the father begins an affair with one of his students (who the older son is also engrossed with). The kids aren't much better off, as one mixes up his teenage hormones with love and honesty to chaotic results, while the other struggles in pre-pubescent sexual questioning. The boys live an all too adult world, and it is hard to distinguish what is right & wrong. It becomes quite uncomfortable at times, but it it speaks to an honesty with such family break-ups that don't always go over very smoothly. It's hard enough growing up & trying to figure things out for yourself, when the parents are doing the same thing. Look for a greasy Billy Baldwin as a hippie (aka Philistine) tennis pro. Has he really done anything since "Sliver?" Ok, "Curdled," but nothing mainstream.

3 out of 5 stars

04/22/06 Nanny McPhee

Nanny McPhee (2005), directed by Kirk Jones

watched w/ Leslie; theater (Blue Ridge Cinema, Raleigh, NC)

Charming. Isn't that what the British would say? I went into this film figuring it to be at least mildly entertaining and somewhat cute. I was pleasantly surprised to find out that it was completely charming and one of those great family films that all should enjoy. The films that I like in the so-called "family" section have to come with a twist of lemon, or at least a hint of dark (chocolate perhaps) for me to fully enjoy them. This one falls right into that magical category, along the lines of a "Mary Poppins" mixed in with 1/3 "Matilda" and 1/3 "Lemony Snicket." Adapted from the British "Nurse Matilda" books, the series follows the family of a recent widower Mr. Brown (Colin Firth). Having 7 children who misbehave and drive nannies away with rapid succession, a dismal job as an undertaker that doesn't pay enough to keep his family secure, a longing flirtation with the help (Kelly MacDonald), and a wicked aunt (cackle-riffic Anglea Lansbury) who's monthly allowance pays the bills; Mr. Brown is in quite a fix. That is until he heeds the mysterious callings of one Nanny McPhee. Emma Thompson (who also adapted the screenplay) brings life into the magical role of the nanny who uses her special powers to get the children to behave and learn valuable life lessons along the way. Mr. Brown is forced by his mean aunt to chose a wife within the month to retain any hope of keeping his family together, and is put in the predicament of marrying a tacky local lady. The children at first do not take kindly to Nanny McPhee's approach to discipline, rebelling at every chance, but soon realize the importance of working together for what they love. The usual tale of right & wrong, where everything ends up happy, but you're glad it did. The sets and wardrobes are full of color and creativity, the actors play off each other well, and the fantasy elements of nanny hocus-pocus are vibrant and over-the-top. Charming, quite charming indeed.

4 out of 5 stars

04/21/06 Dangerous Liaisons

Dangerous Liaisons (1988), directed by Stephen Frears

watched w/ Leslie; VHS (personal copy) @ home

This is more like it. A period piece that is right up my alley. I'm not big on overly flowery British dialogue in these aristocratic dramas, but this one is perfectly devilish with biting wit and scintillating innuendo. Based on the scandalous, and widely banned, late 18th century French novel "Les Liaisons Dangereuses" this cinematic adaptation was widely acclaimed and rewarded (hmmm, interesting). The controversial tale represented a certain sect of bored and privileged French aristocracy that felt it necessary to engage in wicked games of the heart and lust. The cast included a handful of very talented actors, including the manipulative Marquise de Merteuil (Glenn Close), the mean-spirited Vicomte de Valmont (John Malkovich), the virtuous Madame de Tourvel (Michelle Pfieffer), and the virginal Cecile de Volanges (Uma Thurman)...and Keanu Reeves (wait, how did he get in there?). Basically a basis for modern campy romances like "Cruel Intentions", this original work of debauchery is splendid. Caught in a love triangle, hell more like a love hexagon, are the two main sources of lustful evil (Close and Malkovich). Playing harshly off of their own longings for each other, and their rich inadequacies, the two scheme to play cupid with others' hearts and theoretically crush all intentions of love for the sake of one last tryst together as reward. Along the way, both are forced into a game of high-stakes passion, betrayal, jealousy, and regret. Do you honestly think there's going to be a happy ending here?! Perhaps a lesson, but no happiness. Albeit an originally scandalous book, it more than likely shed a light onto some pretty scandalous truths into high society. It's never fun to have someone mess with your heart, or your other body parts, but it sure is fun to watch rich French aristocrats have theirs handed to them huh? More money, more problems.

4 out of 5 stars

04/20/06 Silent Hill

Silent Hill (2006), directed by Christophe Gans

watched w/ Leslie (partially); theater (Brier Creek Stadium 14 Cinema, Raleigh, NC); free screening

Let's get one thing straight right off the bat. Although this screening took place on April 20th, I feel compelled to explain that it happened well after 4:20 p.m. and it in no way has any connotations to drug culture. Well that may not be entirely true, as it seems that whomever came up with the ideas involved in this film had to be a little high during the creative process. I digress, but if you wish to learn more about the many references and nuances to the cannabis culture, check it out here (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/420_(drug_culture) ...otherwise, let's get back to the movie. Based on the spooky video game of the same name, this chilling and complex thriller delivers its own sense of spine-tingling horror. I've never seen the game, but the way that the creepy visuals and layers of storyline commingle is awesome. The tale begins with an adoptive couple who are filled with anguish about their daughter's constant sleepwalking and nightmares about a place called Silent Hill. Desperate for relief, the mother (Radha Mitchell) takes her daughter without her husband's consent on a journey to find this place. (Right there, a clear indication of the competency of this woman's mothering skills...none). Despite the poor judgement, the mother leads herself into the burned out lost city of Silent Hill...evading arrest by a police officer, swerving across rainy country highways, and crashing her SUV into a guardrail. When she comes to, her daughter is missing (shocker), the sky is raining ash, and she quickly discovers the virtual hell that is left by this twisted ghost town. It is a world full of death, darkness, and secrets. She is never quite safe during the daylight hours, where she is attacked by figures in gas masks, and burned dismembered creatures...and then the true terror comes. Air raid sirens wail, and darkness falls over the town, releasing the demonic beasts as the world melts away (literally) revealing the horrible secrets of the town's past. Helping on her search for her daughter is the same police officer who earlier tried to arrest her for child endangerment (good call), and now realizes along with the mother of how much crap they've gotten themselves into. The story delves into not only the shocking horror aspects, but moral and psychological deviancy...as the story slips slowly into a whole other level of hell, one where religious zealots have survived their Apocalypse by fighting their demons in a modern day witch-hunt. If at all this description is getting a bit confusing or erratic, it's because that's exactly what the movie does for you...it keeps twisting in every which way, and all of them are sickeningly good. There is plenty of stupid character flaws, like the mother's insistence to be dumb for the sake of "helping" her daughter, and the father who never can quite come through as the knight in shining armor. However, it's scary and gory and great; with a creepy evil little kid to boot. I have to give Leslie full credit here too, knowing too well that she can't stand disturbing cinema behavior, she probably watched a grand total of 10 minutes of the film in the theater. She stuck it out because she knew I wanted to see it, plus we brought along a crossword puzzle to keep her busy for 2 hours. That's love.

5 out of 5 stars

04/19/06 Aladdin

Aladdin (1992), directed by Ron Clements & John Musker

watched w/ Leslie; VHS (personal copy) @ home

A more modern Disney classic that I just never caught. I like to refer to this non-Disney era of my life as somewhat of a "Dark Age" (no that sounds dismal), how about an "Indifferent Age" of viewing pleasure. This film in 1992 fell right smack in the middle of those years when I probably thought I was getting too old for cartoons, but I hadn't quite reached an age that it was again appropriate to reminisce of the kitsch impact they had on my long-lost childhood. Anyway, I have now been exposed to the "Indifferent Age" in that latter stage. So, everyone knows the story of a poor street urchin Aladdin & his monkey who scavenge for food; and the young disheartened princess Jasmine who will soon be forced to marry someone she does not love...and how they both pine for each other's lifestyle until they intertwine. There's plenty of annoying musical numbers to get us from point A to point B in the story, in case we get lost or bored by the easy to read plot for youngsters. Disney had showed promise however for trying to throw out some zingers to the parents for sitting through the cartoons (jokes that hopefully go over the kiddies' heads), especially with the animated Genie character voice by already-animated-enough Robin Williams. He definitely makes the movie, and the marketing schemes had a field-day making sure we knew that. And how can I get through this cute little paragraph without mentioning another underlying theme to this era of Disney films...that of the hidden "naughty" messages that have since become urban folklore?! Yes, the much-debated topic of whether or not Disney animators/producers knowingly inserted sexual innuendo into their kiddie-friendly movies! The infamous scene here is the uttering by Aladdin to the audience off screen, "good teenagers, take off your clothes." Ranking right up there with the phallus of "The Little Mermaid," or the S-E-X spelling dust cloud of "The Lion King"; it's perhaps a mystery that will never truly be solved. There are plenty of websites dedicated to wasting their lives figuring this mess out:(www.snopes.com/disney/films/aladdin.htm) or (www.disneylies.com/legends/animation.html). Figure it out for yourself, and then go ahead and take those clothes off.

3 out of 5 stars

04/18/06 Fairy Tales

Fairy Tales (1979), directed by Harry Hurwitz

watched w/ Leslie; DVD rental (Netflix) @ home

If you were to go off of the movie picture, and brief description (as I did) of this particularly campy flick you may be lead to believe that this is an "erotic fantasy musical," or a "naughty sex romp," or even a "memorable sex farce." Don't believe the hype...this is basically just a farce, that is at times a musical, and at times a romp, but almost never sexy. Honestly, if you think about it...they're taking all of our beloved fairy tales of our childhood (Little Red Riding Hood, Sleeping Beauty, Jack & Jill, Old King Cole, Little Bo Peep, etc.) and turning them into the height of lubidinous adulthood. All this potential for a soft-core porn comedy all goes down the drain, considering two principal facts of this genre...actors that are untalented, and nudity just for the sake of it. They didn't even try to be either funny or sexy, so we just got very bored and tired watching. So, the virgin Prince who has never shown interest in any female advances, is told on his 21st birthday that he basically has to get laid or he will lose his rightful crown. Off he goes on a fantastical adventure...oh wait, I don't care. Not worth your time, not worth ruining all your classic childhood stories. One lovely side-note...Little Bo Peep in the film, none other than "Boom Boom" Bangs in "H.O.T.S." seen earlier this year in the Challenge. She sure likes to do crappy films and show her cash & prizes. Isn't she on "Girls Gone Wild In Candyland?"

1 out of 5 stars

04/17/06 How To Marry A Millionaire

How To Marry A Millionaire (1953), directed by Jean Negulesco

watched w/ Leslie; VHS (personal copy) @ home

Returning from her Easter holiday break (where she didn't have to endure Critters 2 with me), my girlfriend has brought home some old frolicking classics of Tinseltown's heyday. This one is a bastion of the battle-of-the-sexes style comedies that definitely harks from a different era that's a bit more innocent and naive. Yeah right! That's just what they would like you to believe. I'm sure all these Hollywood types like Marilyn Monroe, Lauren Bacall and Betty Grable (along with their male counterparts) were wild & crazy & doing things that would never make it into a G-rated movie fare of the time. All the debauchery aside, this film is completely silly in nature. The premise is that all three screen sirens decide to take it upon themselves to scheme their way into renting a posh Manhattan penthouse, put up airs at their wealthy galas they frequent, and try to each score a millionaire so that can live happily ever after off the sappy sugar daddy. Gold diggers, plain and simple. All the romantic shenanigans lead the girls into false hopes of beauty, love, living arrangements, wealth, and marriage...I'm sure destroying the female mindset of young aspiring girls for years to come after the film. In the end, the women are supposed to all realize how the money wasn't the point if you truly love someone and can spend forever with them, but I'm still not sure if they got it. Heck, it's fun watching this film though, if you remove yourself from the social connotations. Gold diggers. Pre-nup is all I'm saying rich guys. I think contemporary rap artist Kanye West said it best, when he said "'cause when she leave yo ass she gone leave with half."

3 out of 5 stars

04/16/06 The Great Raid

The Great Raid (2005), directed by John Dahl

watched w/ Tim; DVD rental (Blockbuster) @ parents' house (Southern Pines, NC)

War movies always hold a special place in my movie-going heart. Part of it is that my father and brother (as well as others in my family) have served in the military; part is that heart-pounding aggressive action scenes can excite you to no end; part is that no matter how fictionalized the material may become, it is usually based on some fact or moment in history. Albeit it is a sordid and bloodied history that the world holds at times, but it is one true form of cinema that conveys something very real to the audience. Living during modern wartime is a harsh reality, but I think everyone today understands how very different that warfare has become. However, many raw things remain the same in something so seminal as war and death. This story takes something that a lot of history books only scratch the surface with having people understand. I hate to say it, but if you want to hold someone's attention these days, you need to shove it in their face & make sure they are glued to the message...ok, maybe not everyone, but it sure seems that way sometimes. However, this story focuses solely on a lesser known rescue mission conducted by the 6th Ranger Battalion in World War II Philippines, in the wake of the Bataan Death March. The mission is to liberate over 500 captured American and Philippino POW's in a Japanese prison camp, where they are forced to endure hellish conditions for years. It's a brave and courageous rescue operation that takes the daring and intelligence of both the U.S. and Philippino military, and is successful with relatively few casualties in the process. It is still noted as the most successful rescue mission in U.S. military history (if my dad reads this, he can verify my accuracy on this statement...he's a walking military encyclopedia). Surprising performances by Benjamin Bratt, James Franco, and Connie Nielsen (as an American nurse who tries to help smuggle medical supplies to prisoners of the camp). A powerful film in the light of a "Saving Private Ryan", except here many try to save many (as opposed to one).

4 out of 5 stars

04/16/06 Critters 2: The Main Course

Critters 2: The Main Course (1988), directed by Mick Garris

watched w/ Jason; DVD rental (Netflix) @ Jason & Sabrina's house (Pinehurst, NC)

OK, you have to take this post with a grain of salt...or perhaps a ground up Peeps marshmallow treat. Considering that the last thing I wanted to do on Easter Sunday was to sit down and watch this idiotic premise of a movie, when I could be watching a parade of some sort, or organizing my easter eggs by assorted colors & sizes. No, the poll results overwhelmingly (recount anyone?) had "Critters" winning, so I thought someone had to lose (me). I have to admit, that with all the pent up animosity, I actually enjoyed the campy nature of this ridiculous flick. C'mon, it's outerspace aliens that come in the form of a rolled up porcupine w/ 3 rows of alligator teeth, land somehow in small town Kansas, wreak havoc on the village and it's all up to a 15 year-old punk to save the day?! You may also be wondering what the heck any of this has to do with Easter, and you may be shocked, but it does relate. See, the unhatched eggs are mistaken for Easter eggs by the local dingbat grandma, painted, and hidden amongst the church gardens. Uh-oh. They hatch, and attack the first thing in site (local sheriff dressed up as Easter Bunny), and as he tries to escape his imminent death he crashes full-on through the stained glass church windows ruining Easter service. That wacky scene is followed up by (but not in chronological order) man eating dog food, no-faced alien morphing into topless Playboy centerfold (staple in crease of magazine included), blowing up hamburger factory, and tons of fuzzballs rolling in packs across the town like hairy tumbleweed. This is complete crap, and that's ok. After all the sugar rushes you will no doubt be crashing from earlier in the day, it's nice to finish it off with some cheese. I hope there's another sequel...I like cheese.

3 out of 5 stars

04/15/06 Yours, Mine And Ours

Yours, Mine And Ours (2005), directed by Raja Gosnell

watched w/ Tim, Sarah, Rebecca, Mom & Dad; DVD rental (Blockbuster) @ parents' house (Southern Pines, NC)

There's an old saying, I think by Benjamin Franklin, that states that in this world "nothing is certain but death and taxes." Being that it is Tax Day, I thought the quote to be appropriate...but I wanted to add to the saying, if I may so take the liberty. "Nothing is certain but death and taxes, and Hollywood finds it completely justified and necessary to pump out more crappy remakes of originally bad ideas in order to give aging actors & new fresh-faced brats jobs as well as steal more money greedily from the pockets of sucker families looking for just one ounce of wholesome entertainment that all can enjoy and spend so-called quality time together in doing so." How's that for a quote, and a run-on sentence? Seriously, the best part about this movie was sitting down with my family over the holiday break, and literally berating the film & talent with barbs and witty retorts. Ah, the family that is sarcastic together, stays together. I lover my family, but if I had a family like the one portrayed here in the film...let's just say, I can see why more people are killed over the holidays than other times of the year! OK, so updating the old Peter Fonda & Lucille Ball roles of the original, we slap Dennis Quaid in as Coast Guard admiral dad who's by the book with regimen, and Rene Russo in as hippie tree-hugger mom who's free-spirit comes through her artwork & her United Nations of adopted children. Dumb dialogue, stupid slapstick comedy, and retread plot. Yeah, sounds like fun. It's so much like any reality show you could find on TV nowadays anyway. "Surreal Life" anyone? Shoot me now.

1 out of 5 stars

04/14/06 Sex And Lucia

Sex And Lucia (2001), directed by Julio Medem

watched solo; DVD rental (Record Exchange) @ home

Intrigued by the fact that it was a foreign film, yes...plus it had the word "sex" in the title, which can either hurt or hinder a movie. I had heard very mixed reviews on the subject of the film as well, but I had some lonely free time to myself this evening for a second film, so I'm going on "sex" in the title alone. The story is a journey, and one that does not necessarily follow the path of least resistance. In fact, I think it does quite the opposite. The story involves one Lucia (Paz Vega) and her novelist boyfriend, who begin a romantic whirlwind of a relationship based on pure emotions and drastic measures of love. The novelist begins to write a tale of similar love that quickly engrosses both parties, and entertwines two worlds of reality and fiction until the lines become so blurred no one can tell the difference. And I do mean literally blurred...as most of the film jumps in & out of dream sequences, underwater love/rescue scenes, blinding bright landscapes, and silhouettes. All of the emotions of the characters, and their alter-egos, are played out in sexuality and sensuality. When her novelist boyfriend is near death from a car accident, Lucia escapes to her refuge of a beautiful island guest house...where you guessed it, she meets more characters (real, fake, who knows) that send her head spinning in more directions. A bit dizzying, but with some moments of cinematic beauty. It's foreign, so yeah they get artsy & naked. A long strange trip to get there though.

3 out of 5 stars

04/14/06 The Ice Harvest

The Ice Harvest (2005), directed by Harold Ramis

watched solo; DVD rental (Record Exchange) @ home

Nice. A nice dark, brooding tale of thievery and corruption set amongst a wintry mix of yuletide cheery movies that pack the theaters around the holidays. This film is labeled as a dark comedy, and boy is it. Starting off very slowly and depressingly, the story gradually builds steam with its pessimistic people and anti-spirit of the season. Starring John Cusack as a sleazy local lawyer, and Billy Bob Thornton as a sleazy strip-club owner in small town Wichita, Kansas. Occuring around the Christmas holiday, and amidst a terrible ice storm that ravages the town, the wicked plot is hatched by the two men in a way to steal a bunch of money from the mob-connected boss of Cusack. Not very adept at stealing a bunch of money, or being too good at anything that life has offered them so far, the two men spiral down a dark road of deceit, murder and depression. With the comic relief of best friend Oliver Platt (who has married Cusack's ex-wife, to add to the complexities of the twisted plot), and the sultry seduction of film noir-esque siren Connie Nielsen; the film is great pulp and comic mystery thriller all rolled into one. I was thoroughly impressed with not only the dark characterizations of the Thornton (not much of a stretch) and Cusack roles, but also of usually goofy (and self-admitted big-budget comedy) director Harold Ramis. I mean, the guy's a genius for such off-the-wall classics as "Caddyshack" and "Ghostbusters", but did anyone see this one coming?! Also, to watch the extra features on the DVD as they delve into this gloomy story coming to life from the novel to screen was interesting. This "naughty" Christmas film was great, and far superior to the just plain crude & unfunny Thornton predecessor "Bad Santa." "As Wichita falls, so falls Wichita Falls." Geographically incorrect, but witty nonetheless.

4 out of 5 stars

04/13/06 Secuestro Express

Secuestro Express (2005), directed by Jonathan Jakubowicz

watched solo; DVD rental (Blockbuster) @ home

In the same way that recent Brazilian film "City Of God" brought attention to a violent world of street gangs and robbery, this excellent Venezuelan feature follows the violent world of kidnapping and ransom that infests the native culture. Again in comparison, both films tended to use relatively unknown and inexperienced actors (although with street experience) to convey the passionate roles across on screen with fervor. The film's title refers to the craze of quickie kidnappings as a way to score money from the rich. Revolving around one unfortunate night where an affluent couple is kidnapped and held for ransom from their wealthy parents by a disenchanted group of local youths, this tale is more a cautionary one than anything else against the schism between caste systems. Filmed in a very gritty and raw style (very "Trainspotting"-esque), the haphazard night journey takes us from the initial capture, beatings and threats from the captors, ATM robberies, drug dealer lairs, dingy hideouts, and slimy characters. With constant threats to their life, it shows in two very separate responses from the man and woman on how people react to traumatic experiences. Despite the internal struggle each captive has with their situation, or the captors inner-turmoil with their chosen profession...it is that very difference that makes this movie honest. It shows in stark contrast what it means to be of the "haves" and the "have-nots" in a heated society that must struggle to exist. It shows with no mercy the corruption of local officials, police, and citizens when faced with economic hardships...all the way up to the dramatic finale. A very compelling and harsh pill to swallow.

4 out of 5 stars

04/12/06 Cruel Intentions 2

Cruel Intentions 2 (2000), directed by Roger Kumble

watched w/ Leslie; DVD (borrowed from Jenny) @ home

The tag line is "seduce and destroy." It should have been "suck and destroy your faith in quality entertainment on a purely carnal level that fails to deliver in any capacity an enjoyable experience for all involved in the torturous process of committing this crime on film." Yeah, bought as a novelty gift to our beloved Jenny (hopefully she is fully aware of the gift at this point), we decided to dip into the mischief of the "Cruel Intentions" franchise. I'm a fan of the campy nature of the original film, that does a great job of keeping that immature eroticism naughty. However, from all that I've read about this prequel is that it was going to become a TV show/mini-series and was eventually scrapped together direct-to-video for suckers at the bargain bin. Putting relative unknowns into the key roles of Sebastian (Ryan Phillippe in the original) and Kathryn (Sarah Michelle Gellar in the original, and "Junebug"'s Amy Adams in this installment); the story is supposed to be the introduction of their twisted familial relationship. Basically, it allows the audience another chance to see the perverted goings-on of extremely rich bored kids in a private prep school. Kathryn is the bad girl who has her perfect little scheme of running the school system & keeping her popularity intact threatened by newcomer wise-ass step-brother. They lock horns in a battle of the horny brats, which leads us down the path of seduction, incest, manipulation, harassment, spying and back-stabbing. Eat your heart out "90210." Oh, and there's a "twist" at the end...but you see it coming. What it boils down to is that rich kids are spoiled rotten, have money, have kinks, then can spend that money to live a kinky lifestyle...BORING. Whatever happened to awkward school dances, passing notes, acne, and copping a second base feel? That's the real deal.

1 out of 5 stars

04/11/06 The Baxter

The Baxter (2005), directed by Michael Showalter

watched w/ Leslie; DVD rental (Netflix) @ home

This film introduced me to two separate, but equally enlightening, facts about the universe. One, is the definition of what a "baxter" is...basically a down on his luck with the ladies-man, or always a groomsman, never a groom. The second is that practically any member of the hilarious old sketch comedy group "The State" can make a movie that is funny, twisted, and over-the-top with characters...but this one was a touch of tender as well. From writer/director/former "State" alum Michael Showalter comes this charmingly offbeat tale of redemption for anyone who's ever been dumped. The story follows one Elliott Sherman (Showalter) as he bumbles and awkwardly maneuvers through one hapless romantic relationship after another, always losing out to the more popular guy. Never wanting to take any risks to his love affairs, he is destined to wind up settling for the current loveless relationship he's in, where the engagement is based more on status and stability than love. Elliott's romantic awakening happens when he encounters a beautiful, yet eccentric, secretary/artist (Michelle Williams). She convinces him to take that long awaited risk at true love, even though he manages to fumble through most of it. It's light-hearted and touching, with just enough quirky jokes & slapstick to keep it interesting. Look for the veritable anti-"Graduate" style ending to the film. In my opinion this is a far superior effort similar to Paul Thomas Anderson's tragic "Punch-Drunk Love" attempt. This is quirky love birds at their best. Also, I think it's great that the great comedic talent of "The State" team members lives on, as they incorporate each other in side projects. If you don't know what I'm talking about, you are sadly left out of the loop. The only crude website I could find devoted to them seems out of date, but informative nonetheless (www.the-state.com). "State" alum include not only Showalter, but Michael Ian Black ("I Love The 80's" & Sierra Mist commercials), cast from "Reno 911!" and "Stella."

3 out of 5 stars

04/10/06 The Thomas Crown Affair

The Thomas Crown Affair (1968), directed by Norman Jewison

watched solo; DVD (borrowed from parents) @ home

Considering Hollywood remade this heist movie in recent years, you would think that this has to be a classic of the genre. Well, at least it's a solid entry into the genre. The beginning and the end of the film are probably the most exciting and fresh parts of the film's entirety. Quick scene cuts and totally 60's split screen fade-outs dominate the height of the chase, as a group of well-dressed men enter a bank, rob it in broad daylight & get away with it. At the head of the crime team is bossman Thomas Crown (cool as a cucumber Steve McQueen) who masterminds the whole thing, while keeping his nose clean of the mess...or so he thinks. Soon, insurance investigator Faye Dunaway is hot on his tail, and hot on his tail (if you know what I mean). Trying to infiltrate his scheme and find out the truth, Dunaway becomes engrossed in a love affair with McQueen, all the while trying to do her job and report it to the authorities. This middle part tends to drag on with the usual love interest steering the main focus off the caper. Just like the Affleck/Beckinsale/Hartnett romance was so appealing, that we were supposed to believe that was the only part of historical significance in "Pearl Harbor," we start to drift away from the most intriguing part of the story. However, director Jewison brings us back to the basics of one last heist to leave us wanting more at the end of the film...and giving it a much truer ending than most. It's ultimately the hip-daddy era of the 60's that's permeating the cool of the film, and causing it to be a true influence on crime cinema in the vein of an "Ocean's Eleven."

3 out of 5 stars

04/09/06 Wordplay

Wordplay (2006), directed by Patrick Creadon

watched w/ Leslie; theater (Carolina Theatre, Durham, NC); Full Frame Documentary Film Festival

In what has become one of the world's most critically acclaimed film festivals, this weekend treat took place quite literally in our backyard...so we had to catch it. Missing out on a few bigger named special screenings I wanted to see, I felt that this particular doc would be personally special on this day. You see, today is my mother's birthday, and yesterday was my late grandmother's. They both had always been avid fans of crossword puzzles. This film "Wordplay" takes a very interesting look into the sub-culture of fanatics of this mind puzzle of a game. Wait, can it be a sub-culture when the game in question is plastered into every newsprint media across the world? Anyway, focusing acutely on the New York Times crossword puzzle, the filmmakers went to great lengths to unearth the history of, editorializing features, hobbyists vs. fanatics, competitions, and introspective knowledge seeking of this most sweet brain candy adventure. With mastermind Will Shortz and his crossword constructing cronies, people's minds continue to wrap around the gamut (from mundane to the complex) of clues to our English language. Some interesting tidbits of vocabulary vexations come from the crossword constructors themselves, as we get to see how a puzzle is created, follows certain guidelines, and is checked for errors. Did you know that one golden rule for crosswords is that the white vs. black boxes can be flipped symmetrically to be exactly the same both ways? You're a dork if you did. But guess who else is a dork along with you...Bill Clinton, the Indigo Girls, Ken Burns, and Jon Stewart (who all make candid cameos in the film). Also, competitive gaming is followed to the national championships of the upper echelon of wordplayers, similar to another great documentary "Word Wars" (Scrabble). Oh, and probably the coolest fact about us seeing this movie...we had another film festival brush with fame. We bumped into and walked across a downtown Durham crosswalk with none other than Danny DeVito. On that note, I'll take you out with a song from the film..."if you don't come across, I'm gonna be down." Think about it.

5 out of 5 stars

04/08/06 Red Eye

Red Eye (2005), directed by Wes Craven

watched w/ Leslie; DVD rental (Record Exchange) @ home

Wes Craven has done some goofy stuff, and he has also done some of the most chilling horror movies of at least my time here on this Earth. He likes to balance that fine line it seems in his later works...sometimes blatantly hopping back & forth over it. If nothing else, he has gotten the entertaining popcorn aspect of moviemaking down to a science. This is most evident in his "Scream" trilogy, as well as here in "Red Eye." From the start the story makes no attempts at being the most intelligent suspense thriller you've ever seen, and it pushes forward on the sheer basis of mindless entertainment. Rachel McAdams plays young ritzy hotel manager Lisa who, although afraid of flying, must hop a jet to her grandmother's funeral & back in time for an important government official to be a guest in her hotel. However, plans go horribly awry when she meets the dashing and devious Jackson Rippner (ha ha, really it's Cillian Murphy...freaky enough looking without the evil name) who soon becomes her worst nightmare. Jackson basically takes Lisa captive of her fears, threatening to kill her father if she doesn't help him in an attempt to murder said government official. You can imagine what a bumpy ride it's about to be. We as an audience must fully realize that the plot is ridiculous in nature, but probably not too far from actually happening. It's just silly fun, not even all that scary, just back & forth manipulating and action. Plus, it is nice to see McAdams not only kick some ass here, but also stand well in a role that is usually filled by a male actor. She is a woman of substance and grittiness, not the typical damsel in distress (example, when she does fall when chased in her high heels...it doesn't stop her...it affords the opportunity to stab the bad guy with the heel of the shoe). Try that on for size Harrison Ford.

3 out of 5 stars

04/07/06 Prime

Prime (2005), directed by Ben Younger

watched w/ Leslie; DVD rental (Record Exchange) @ home

This is unfortunate. This "chick flick" had cross-gender potential, as well as refreshing chance to revive a tired genre. Though 2/3 of the movie had mildly entertaining promise, with smatterings of indy movie flare with casting and dialogue, but it spiralled out of control towards the end. Uma Thurman plays a newly divorced 37 year-old (hmmm, prime number) New Yorker who must traverse her new found single dating life, all the while visiting her shrink (Meryl Streep) to help with her new found personal inadequacies. Her troubles all change when she finds true love in the form of a younger man, a budding 23 year-old (hmmm, another prime number) artist, whose family doesn't understand him. They fall head-over-heels for each other, despite the constant reminder of the age difference. One slight problem...OK, you see it coming...the shrink is also the mother of the younger man, which causes all kinds of ethical and romantic problems. A hokie premise yes, but it also was a refreshingly honest look at single city dating scenes, friend & family pressures, and reaching one's sexual peak (or prime if you will...hmmm). The end, not to ruin a ruiner for you, is even hokier, with one melodramatic entanglement after another. The film loses all its honesty for stupid sappy staples. And to think, this same dude directed "Boiler Room" with Vin Diesel...that was way sexier.

2 out of 5 stars

04/06/06 Master And Commander: The Far Side Of The World

Master And Commander: The Far Side Of The World (2003), directed by Peter Weir

watched solo; DVD (borrowed from parents) @ home

Set during the Napoleonic Wars, this film is mostly set aboard a Biritsh frigate named the HMS Surprise, helmed by Capt. Aubrey (Russell Crowe) and out to destroy the larger opponent French vessel. Sort of a cross between "Braveheart" and "The Old Man And The Sea." In one respect, this harrowing tale of a smaller more determined British crew who must fight against all odds of humanity, nature and warfare to accomplish a mission. On the other, it is an intricate look into the ongoings of an historical naval ship and its residents. Crowe's character is friends with the resident doctor/naturalist (Paul Bettany), and authoritarian to all other persons aboard. Trying to balance his military duties of mission vs. his personal friendships and care for the men under his command is a difficult one for a man in his position. What begins as a seemingly personal vendetta against the French ship, becomes a galvanizing force for the mens' reason to fight back. The movie does drag on a bit at times, but the attention to historical detail is well-noted. Using special effects to relive old naval battle scenes is impressive, but a lot of the usual character-types rear their heads here in this usual warfare genre. It is refreshing to sea (or see, pun absolutely intended) the usual war movie genre played out in maritime fasion though. Aside from discovering some uncharted islands, it's mostly scenes on a boat, about a boat, or looking at other boats. Hope you don't get seasick.

3 out of 5 stars

04/05/06 Repulsion

Repulsion (1965), directed by Roman Polanski

watched w/ Leslie (partially); DVD rental (Netflix) @ home

It is no secret that Polanski is not only a weird fellow, but an openly wanted man criminally in America, so he has to make his films in other countries and not appear at the Oscars to receive any awards for fear of imprisonment. However, he does make some pretty good chilling tales of personal descent into relative hell for his lead characters. Sort of an example of life imitating art, or vice versa? Whatever its intent may be, it comes across as a riveting and hallucinatory rollercoaster ride for the viewers. Catherine Deneuve plays a young woman, Carol, who lives with her sister in a London flat, and works in a local beauty salon. She does not approve of the affair her sister is having with a married man, who is willing to sweep the sister off for a sudden vacation. Being left to her own devices, and introspections into her confused sexuality and interaction with men, Carol quickly spirals into a darkening madness. The monotony of everyday routine (phones ringing, clocks ticking, people talking, and faucets dripping) compels her hallucinatory thoughts to ones of violence and paranoia. Unsure if her new sick life is one of reality or dementia, a barrage of terrifying images and lingering feelings of unease carry the story on. Coming home to find the apartment in disarray, and bodies everywhere, Carol's sister is completely freaked out (yeah, no kidding Sherlock). This is a delightfully devious plot, similar to say "The Tell-tale Heart" by Poe involving an individual's emotional unravelling, told in black & white film stock.

4 out of 5 stars

04/04/06 Killing Zoe

Killing Zoe (1994), directed by Roger Avary

watched w/ Leslie (partially); DVD rental (Netflix) @ home

When Quentin Tarantino hit it big with his blood-spattered gangster flick "Reservoir Dogs" (brilliant, by the way), it ushered in a new take on an old theme. The in-your-face approach to violence, sex, drugs, and crime that holds about it an aura of cool & homage to early flicks that achieved the same carnage in either subdued or censored ways. Now that violence is o.k. in mainstream film (heck, video games for that matter), it is embraced and choked to death by most cinema. Director Avary here is a friend & co-conspirator with Tarantino, and both have the same flare for wicked delivery. While not quite as polished as Tarantino's work, this bloodbath holds it's own in the same realm. Eric Stoltz plays an American safe-cracker who jumps aboard a team of would-be bank robbers on Bastille Day in Paris, with the aid of his psychotic French friend. Trying to find reasoning for his work amidst the drugged out killing spree his so-called buddy wants to partake in, Stoltz must come to terms with morality and mortality. Along the way he meets a beautiful young girl (prostitute by night, bank teller by day) Zoe who just so happens to work at said bank to be robbed by the crew. Everyone seems to want to kill Zoe (hmmm, title perhaps), except her new found love Zed (Stoltz). Guns, drugs, sex, and cigarettes (because they're French)! And to think that I came this close (holding index finger and thumb within millimeters of each other to express a very short distance) to seeing "Nanny McPhee" at a High Point $2 movie theater tonight. It's a long story, but it suffices to say that my car broke down this weekend in Greensboro...AAA sucks...car repairs are expensive...and being without vehicle for days on end in this day & age is no fun...but I digress. "Killing Zoe" was great, killing my car is tempting. Side note: this is the 100th movie I've enjoyed/endured so far with the Challenge.

4 out of 5 stars

04/03/06 Close Your Eyes

Close Your Eyes (2002), directed by Nick Willing

watched w/ Tim; DVD (personal copy) @ home

In what seems to be a completely overlooked gem, this twisted supernatural thriller plays to its audience in both a subdued undertone all the while flashing dark imagery and mind-magic. The taut suspense begins when a seemingly mild-mannered hypno-therapist treats a British police detective for her smoking addiction. It is soon revealed that the therapist (played by some Croatian dude I've never heard of, but apparently he's on "E.R."), not only can hypnotize, but possesses telepathic powers that come to him in his visions. His newly moved family life to England is soon jeopardized when his telepathic nightmares haunt him, as his skill is utilized by the local police to solve a rash of grotesque and ritualistic murders. Of course, as all these creepy movies must, there is a young girl (here struck mute by the evil things she has witnessed) who is the mysterious key to solving the heinous crimes. Chock full of edge-of-your seat chills, cult symbolism, gross torture, and drug-enduced dream sequences! There's a tag line for you. This seems to be one of those creepy but good ones that slipped through the cracks on the store shelves...and will get stuck in your head all too easily. One final cool note...I got to see this one with my brother, who's now home from Afghanistan. He probably won't remember to check out this post, but he deserves the shout out nonetheless. I think he'll mostly agree with me on the quality of film here.

3 out of 5 stars

04/02/06 Rock 'N' Roll High School

Rock 'N' Roll High School (1979), directed by Allan Arkush

watched w/ Leslie; DVD (personal copy) @ home

Cult classic, with all the needed underground cred to be immortalized forever. Let's see, Roger Corman produced, 80's teen high school movies were about to blow up, and the seminal punk rock of the Ramones is the catalyst for the soundtrack & plot. What could go wrong? So many things need to be taken with a grain of salt when analyzing a "cult classic." Honestly, it's never going to be about the acting, the wardrobe, the script, the locations, directing/cinematography, or usually the soundtrack. Although it is the music that lifts this one above the rest, it also has that special something that all crazy movies need to have to leave an impact on so many. It drops at just the right time, with just the right message, with enough kitsch value to hold on long enough for VH1 to do an "I Love the 70's/80's" segment on it. Let's see, a bunch of misfits have to attend a local high school were the teachers are tyrants or tools, who oppress the children such that they feel it necessary to rebel in zany ways. With the ringleader here being cult icon P.J. Soles in the role of Riff Randell, a rockin' girl who wants nothing more in life than to go see her idols the Ramones live in concert. Just like a precursor to a Ferris Bueller or Zack Morris, Riff leads the revolution of the high schoolers making the show and sticking it to the evil principal Togar. You've got to give the film credit in sticking to what it knew best (The Ramones), and the Ramones doing what they knew best (rockin' out & attaching themselves to cult status via this flick). Please by all means avoid the sequel with Corey Feldman. This one is harmful & harmless fun with no earthly repercussions, and awesome punk rawk music! Gabba gabba hey!

3 out of 5 stars

04/01/06 Basic Instinct 2

Basic Instinct 2 (2006), directed by Michael Caton-Jones

watched w/ Leslie; theater (Crossroads 20 Cinema, Cary, NC); suggested by Jenny

This riveting and gritty sexual thriller was both fascinating in scope and luscious in skin on skin shenanigans. April Fool's! This cheese-fest would make any Wisconsinite froth at the mouth for some cheddar curds. Begrudgingly, I went to this film in support of not the opening weekend box office, but that of a certain individual who is the sister of my love and suggested to partake in the Over 40 Nudity Revolution. OK, the first film was nothing more than a weak attempt at soft-core pulp with an edge (that edge being Sharon Stone's infamous crotch shot). This is...well, just a bad idea for a sequel of some soft-core pulp with no edge (the lack of edge being Stone's obviously siliconized assets). I'm sorry for those that wanted this to be just a fun romp in the erotic thriller genre, spiced with the exotic locales of London. This is simply a bad movie, lacking of the orginal's steamier segments (I guess I could wait for this one to come out on DVD unrated as well). It takes too long to introduce the sex or the intrigue. Also, once suspected of again being a mysterious murderer, why is Stone's character never researched of her past affairs in America (i.e. Basic Instinct Uno)? Why, because the only thing more inept than a washed up easily-manipulated American detective, is an overly inept stiff-as-a-board easily-manipulated British psychologist. Even the British police are idiots...however, I do have to admit, the only funny parts were delivered by solid Brit actor David Thewlis as the detective. The similarities of plot of both films are probably intentional, but just get redundant (ice picks, bi-sexual exes, what does she have hiding under the bed?). And are we supposed to believe that Stone is this hip at all? She goes from the worst rave dancing ever in the first film, to the "Fast & The Furious" stunt driving. I can't wait for "Basic Instinct 3." Maybe we can get a senior discount for seeing senior citizen nudity. Sorry Jenny, but if you add this star to the original's two, that's the three stars you were looking for.

1 out of 5 stars

03/31/06 16 Blocks

16 Blocks (2006), directed byRichard Donner

watched w/ Leslie, Shanna & Joel; theater (Crossroads 20 Cinema, Cary, NC)

I normally wouldn't choose to see a movie of this ilk at the theater brand new...this is more at $1 movie speed but peer pressure can be a mofo, and we were going out with friends for dinner & a movie. All around it is a decent mismatched buddy flick, with some thrilling action, funny dialgoue, and a race against the clock. Bruce Willis (who is perfect for these bad-ass loser/hero roles) plays an aging washed-up drunk of a cop who must transport a key witness from his holdnig cell to the courthouse in under 2 hours, you guessed it, for 16 city blocks. Mos Def plays the lightweight criminal who is trying to get past his petty thefts and straighten his life out by opening a themed bakery in Seattle, where he hopes to meet his long lost sister. You get to know all of this because Mos Def's character is a motormouth, who just can't shut up when the grizzly Willis' character barks his orders. They start off on the wrong foot, but once challenged by his fellow crooked cops & a lingering cover-up scandal that Mos Def is key witness to, the team must work together to escape the APB and make a stand for justice. NYC is a big city, and 16 blocks of it is turned into a 2 hour film of chase scenes, shootouts, and hostage negotiations. Both Willis and Mos Def are really good actors, even though Def's accent in the film is annoying. The tale is a redemptive one for both men, who are struggling with their pasts & present consciences to set things right. A good flick, just wait for the $1 theater or rental.

3 out of 5 stars

03/30/06 Tornado!

Tornado! (1996), directed by Noel Nosseck

watched w/ Leslie; DVD rental (Netflix) @ home

OK, disaster movies. Here's a subject we may not have tackled yet this year. No silly rabbit, not movies solely about natural weather phenomena that wreak havoc globally...but rather, cinematic garbage that infiltrates culture creating the same widespread collateral damage to all who come in contact with it's fury. This movie was god awful, and some would say that disasters are one way for a god to unleash its wrath upon humanity. Let's put it this way, the film was a horrible rip-off of another big budget atrocity of a film, "Twister" from the same year. If you remember, after "Twister" came out there was a gluttony of crappy tornado movies...and isn't that the most blatant form of rip-off? Good job guys, I don't think anybody bought it. Let's see...for a review...pathetic acting, cheesy special effects that would make Ed Wood proud, unrelated scenes and plot holes galore, and the worst robotic piece of weather technology/meterology ever concocted. Oh, I watched it only because B-movie legend Bruce Campbell was in it. I originally planned on writing this piece solely about the time myself, my girlfriend and best friends all met him at one of his movie premiers. Apparently I had some pent-up hostility about having wasted my time on this particular film of his...so there, I'll just name-drop at the end of the piece. Piece out.

1 out of 5 stars

03/29/06 Sucker Free City

Sucker Free City (2004), directed by Spike Lee

watched solo; DVD rental (Netflix) @ home

I'm a big fan of Spike Lee's work, although some of my good friends who shall remain nameless are not. He has slipped for sure with his overall work in later years, but he has remained true to his "finger-on-the-pulse" of American race issues in his context. You have to give him credit for portraying some areas of American culture perhaps more truthfully than a lot of Hollywood. Sometimes it does come across as over the top & shocking for intended effect I believe. That is true here for "Sucker Free City" as well. For those who don't know, Sucker Free is an initialized play off of the city of San Francisco, where the stories take place. It's an intertwining of three major characters, all representing different ethnicities, and class systems. The three men represent the melting pot of society, as well as the underbelly criminalism of a glamourous town. One man is part of a rough black gang, who's trying to in part advance in the ranks but also work his way out of the violent element. The next man is a white middle-classer who's family is forced to move to the hood, all the while working in a corporate setting where he works white collar crime of credit card theft into his repertoire. The last man is a bag man for the Chinese mafia who's working angles against his boss in order to prove his worth. All three represent groups that are fighting over sanctified turf of the streets, and somehow trying to coexist. A solid cast of virtual unknowns here, and a good Spike joint. Not his best, but good. I still think he should have included the feared Gay Mafia hitmen who must everyday battle for rights to the same said turf, and have the coolest wardrobe of any of them.

3 out of 5 stars

03/28/06 Everything Is Illuminated

Everything Is Illuminated (2005), directed by Liev Schreiber

watched w/ Leslie; DVD rental (Netflix) @ home

Based on the Jonathan Safran Foer novel of the same name, the story posits Elijah Wood in the author's role of a young Jewish American man who travels to the Ukraine in search of the past and the truth surrounding his recently deceased grandfather's life. A man who escaped the Nazi invasion of his small Ukrainian village in the 1940's, leaving behind his love & unborn child to a terrible unknown fate, his grandfather had lived his life amongst unspeakable secrets. The young Jonathan also carries a quirk about him, where to cling to his memories of the past, he literally saves mementos in plastic bags and pins them to his bedroom wall...a sort of odd personal timeline. He takes it upon himself to head to the Ukraine, hire a personal translator/tour guide in order to find the now defunct village. His translator Alex is young local man influenced heavily by American hip-hop culture, and travelling with his weary grandfather. The film is charged with all of these quirky characters, that show in many forms Jonathan's obsessive habits, Alex's broken urban English, and the grandfather's "seeing-eye bitch (a.k.a. dog)" Sammy Davis Jr. Jr. Yes, aptly named after ol' glass-eye himself. The tale is one of adventure, cultural comparison, humor, heart-breaking realization, and heart-warming redemption. Upon finding the woman who they have all searched for, closure is brought to a very sore subject in a small way. The movie is so compelling that it was touching to see how the characters grew together, despite cultural differences. I'm surprised too at first time director Liev Schreiber, who did very well. Oh yeah, and the actor who played Ukrainian Alex, is none other than Eugene Hutz, better known as the frontman for gypsy punk band Gogol Bordello (whose tunes can be heard faintly in the background of the film). Start wearing purple, wearing purple.

4 out of 5 stars